Mercedes-Benz S-Class Demand Picks Up, Strengthening Profit Turnaround
Mercedes-Benz Bets on High-Margin Models for Financial Recovery
Rising Demand for the Revamped S-Class
April 30 (Reuters) - Demand for Mercedes-Benz's revamped S-Class flagship model is picking up, the group's head of production said on Thursday, as the carmaker banks on high-margin models to drive a turnaround.
Exceeding Expectations at Sindelfingen Plant
"Orders for the S-Class are exceeding our expectations," Michael Schiebe said at the Sindelfingen plant, where the model is built alongside its Maybach variant and the fully electric EQS.
Performance of New Top-of-the-Range Models
Speaking at an event celebrating the ramp-up of the three new top-of-the-range models, Schiebe also said the EQS was performing well, but declined to share specific order or production figures.
Strategic Importance of the S-Class in Profit Turnaround
Profit Challenges and New Model Strategy
The DAX-listed group, battling falling profits, is banking on a raft of new models to turn things around, with the highly profitable S-Class among the most important.
Boost from U.S. Market Launch
A further boost is expected from the S-Class sedan's U.S. launch in July, with stock being built up for American dealerships. Unlike European customers, who typically order personalised cars, U.S. buyers purchase from dealer forecourts.
(Reporting by Ilona Wissenbach, writing by Linda PasquiniEditing by Ludwig Burger)
